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With Spring Training heating up and MLB Opening Day only weeks away, it is a great time to look at who the oddsmakers have winning the AL West in 2021.
The Oakland Athletics won the division last season with a record of 36-24 and lost in the ALDS to the Houston Astros in four games (3-1). The Astros finished seven games behind the A’s, but still clinched a wild card spot.
Looking forward to this season, the A’s and Astros should once again be competing for the AL West division title. But we cannot forget about the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, who will one day be back into the post season. Let’s break down the betting splits for the five teams in the AL West this season, courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
Houston Astros (+120)
After getting bounced in an exciting ALCS against the Tampa Bay Rays, the Astros have the best odds (+120) to win the division. They are receiving 47% of the handle and 39% of the bets. If Houston is able to accomplish this feat, they would have won AL West four out of the last five years.
However, it might be tougher this season as they lost George Springer in free agency. The veteran outfielder signed a six-year, $150 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays. Without Springer, the Stros will look towards Jose Altuve, George Springer, Michael Brantley, and Yordan Alvarez to fill the void.
Oakland Athletics (+150)
Last year’s division winners have the second-best odds, while receiving 5% of the handle but 34% of the bets. The Athletics did not make many splashes this offseason, but lost Marcus Siemien, Tommy LaStella, Mike Minor, and Liam Hendriks in free agency. They also traded designated hitter Khris Davis to the Texas Rangers, but received Elvis Andrus, who should shore up the middle infield.
For the A’s to get back to the postseason and win the AL West, they will need Jesus Luzardo to take another step in his development and Frankie Montas to be their ace.
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (+375)
Surprisingly, the LA Angels of Anaheim have the third-best odds to win the division. They are also receiving 47% of the handle but only 23% of the bets. The Angels finished last year with a record of 26-34 and in fourth place in the AL West.
As we all know, the Angels have a talented lineup which features Anthony Rendon, Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani, Albert Pujols, Justin Upton, Dexter Fowler, and top prospect Jo Adell. Trout will likely be in the running for the AL MVP again as he has talented surrounding him up and down the lineup.
But for Anaheim to have success this season, it will fall squarely on the shoulders of the starting rotation. Dylan Bundy had a winning record (6-3) and 3.29 ERA, while Griffin Canning showed glimpses of potential. If those two guys plus Alex Cobb, can give the Angels quality outings, then they should be playing deep in September for a division title.
Seattle Mariners (+2600)
The Mariners have not won the AL West since that amazing 2001 season, where they won 116 games. Seattle has some young talent such as reigning AL Rookie of the Year in Kyle Lewis, J.P. Crawford, and Justus Sheffield. Heading into this season, they are receiving less than 1% of the handle and 4% of the bets.
Outside of those players listed, they are still missing quality options at other positions, which will make this another tough season. Seattle’s rotation should be better with Marco Gonzales, Yusei Kikuchi, and James Paxton as the top-three options.
Texas Rangers (+4000)
The Rangers were suppose to be much better than they were last season as they lost Corey Kluber for the year and Lance Lynn was their only consistent starter. At the plate, Texas’s best hitters are Nick Solak and Joey Gallo for solely two different reasons. The Rangers will likely not be good this season at their relatively new baseball stadium. They are receiving less than 1% of the handle and only 1% of the bets.
Here’s a look at the betting splits as they sit as we kick off Spring Training on March 1st for the 2021 MLB season.
AL West betting splits, March 1
| Handle Rank | Team | Odds | % of Handle | % of Bets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Handle Rank | Team | Odds | % of Handle | % of Bets |
| 1 | HOU Astros | +120 | 47% | 39% |
| 2 | LA Angels | +375 | 47% | 23% |
| 3 | OAK Athletics | +150 | 5% | 34% |
| 4 | SEA Mariners | +2600 | < 1% | 4% |
| 5 | TEX Rangers | +4000 | < 1% | 1% |
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